gci media releases

GCI Group Promotes Couto, McKnight and Fremont in the Consumer Lifestyle Practice

December 02, 2010 | gci news

Leading public relations agency GCI Group is pleased to announce three promotions within its Consumer Lifestyle practice group:  Bernice Couto has been promoted to the position of Group Manager, Nicole McKnight to Senior Consultant and Shelley Fremont promoted to Consultant.

Bernice Couto joined GCI Group in November 2009, bringing with her more than six years experience in public relations across a variety of sectors including technology, retail, healthcare and lifestyle brands. Since then she has worked on strategic planning, media relations and client relations for a broad range of clients including Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, Blockbuster Canada and Tourism PEI. 

“GCI allows me to interact daily with fantastic clients and a dedicated team,” said Couto. “I’m looking forward to the new responsibilities and learning opportunities that come my way as a member of this vibrant agency.”

McKnight joined GCI in March 2009. She has planned events, managed nation-wide media tours and led several media relations and sponsorship campaigns for clients including Blockbuster, Payless ShoeSource, Rust-Oleum and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. She will continue to provide support and creativity to every project she handles.

“GCI fosters a work environment that creates a collaborative approach to handling the diverse communication needs of our clients,” said McKnight.  “My mandate will focus on building our clients’ businesses as well as developing public relations programs that are smart, creative, award-worthy and deliver results.”

Fremont joined GCI as an intern in September 2009 and was hired on as an account coordinator two months later in December. As a Consultant, she will continue to provide support to her team  with strategic planning, media relations and client relations for a broad range of clients including Mattel, Payless ShoeSource and Amgen. Her reliability and track-record of managing successful campaigns continues to impress clients and fellow team members.

“I’m eager to take on this challenging role and continue to contribute to our clients’ business in new ways,” said Fremont of her recent promotion.  “Through our integrated and creative team approach, we will focus on meeting and exceeding our clients’ expectations as well as provide them with sound, strategic advice for building their business and brand.”

“We are proud to recognize the hard work and dedication of our team members as they take the next step in their professional careers,” said Marion MacKenzie, President, GCI Group. “This has been a very dynamic year for the agency as we continue to earn client kudos, grow our existing business and expand into new offerings.  None of this would have been possible without the hard work and professionalism of the GCI team.  It is particularly meaningful to recognize those efforts with these well-deserved promotions.”

About GCI Group

GCI Group is part of the WPP network, the world’s largest communications services group.  The company is distinguished by its long-time client relationships with some of the world’s most well-known brands.  GCI Group enjoys consistently superior client service accolades from our clients.  This is driven by our commitment to outstanding client services, practical creativity to drive results and nimbleness.  Our motto is “Change Rules”.  We focus on delivering the big (or small idea) that drives changes, applying the digital media evolution thoughtfully and being brilliant with the basics.  GCI Group offers a full range of communications services in Public Affairs, Healthcare, Corporate, Consumer Lifestyle, and Digital/Social Media.